Glass is one of the most iconic parts of cannabis culture—from classic hand pipes to intricate percolating dab rigs. But more than smoke and artistic value, there's more going on under the surface. This guide will be breaking down the different types of glass pieces, how they function, and what role things like airflow, percolation, and chamber design play in your session.
Why Glass?
Glass is non-porous and heat-resistant. It doesn't change the flavor of your flower or concentrate, and it allows for precision airflow. It can be uniquely designed, with features such as percs and chambers, that enhance the smoking or dabbing experience. And, let's be honest: it's pretty.
1. Pipes (AKA Spoon Pipes)
What It Is: Small, handheld piece with a bowl, mouthpiece, and carb hole. Standard use is dry herb.
How It Works: It works by you packing the bowl, lighting it, and covering or uncovering the carb to control airflow; once the carb is released, smoke rushes into your lungs.
Pros: Simple, portable, easy to clean. It is even good for beginners.
Watch For: Aggressive moves—no water filtration here.
2. Bubblers
What It Is: A cross between a pipe and a bong, small like a pipe but with a water chamber that cools down a hit.
How It Works: The smoke would go through the water before entering your lungs, cooling it and lessening the harshness.
Pros: Smoother than a pipe, more portable than a bong.
Watch Out For: A little fiddly to clean with tighter curves and chambers.
3. Bongs
What It Is: Water pipe that is taller in size, carrying a removable bowl and downstem; for larger hits with water filtration.
How It Works: You inhale, and the smoke goes down the downstem into the water, then bubbles up through the chamber up to the mouthpiece. Many bongs include percolators, which diffuse the smoke further.
Pros: Cooler, smoother hits. High volume per pull.
Watch Out For: Fragile. Not good to travel. Needs constant cleaning.
4. Dab Rigs
What It Is: A miniature version of a bong, but for vaporizing concentrates instead of combusting flower. Uses a nail or banger instead of a bowl.
How It Works: The nail or banger heats up with a torch or e-nail and then puts on the concentrate. The vapor travels through water to enter your lungs.
Pros: Engineered for flavor and potency, the water filtration keeps vapor cool.
Watch For: Requires accessories (torch, dab tool, carb cap). Some learning curve for first-timers.
Bonus: Specialty Glass Types
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Chillums: Straight, one-hitter pipes. No carb, no water—just pack and go.
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Steamrollers: Big, open pipes for great airflow; massive, unfiltered hits.
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Nectar Collectors: Handheld dab devices—dip the heated tip into concentrates and inhale directly.
How Airflow & Percolation Work
Anatomy of a Generic Glass Piece:
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Bowl: Where you load your herb or concentrate.
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Downstem: Guides smoke into water.
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Chamber: Houses water and smoke before being inhaled.
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Mouth: Where you inhale from.
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Carb (if present): Regulates airflow—let go to clear smoke.
Percolation—What Is It?
Percolation: This is a process that breaks smoke or vapor into smaller bubbles through water. It increases surface area, cools the hit, and catches some harsh particulates.
Common percs:
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Tree Percs: Several vertical cuts for diffusion.
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Honeycomb Percs: A disc with small holes—high diffusion with little drag.
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Showerhead Percs: Dome or tube with downward slits.
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Inline Percs: Tubes horizontally set with side cuts.
More percs = smoother hits—but also more cleaning and more drag.
Cleaning & Maintenance
Clean glass is not cosmetic; it's about flavor, draw resistance, and even lung safety. Clean it regularly with isopropyl alcohol and coarse salt. Avoid boiling water, as continuous use can stress and crack the glass over time.
The Trichly Norm
At Trichly, we are all about making smarter choices—not just with the product, but also with tools used daily. Whether you're packing a pipe or setting up a dab rig, getting to know your gear is the first step to better sessions. We break down the design, airflow, and the science behind the smoke—so you can go through your ritual with confidence and clarity.
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